I La, la, la, la, love Ra, ra, ra ra, ra, Rock N’ Roll!
Many Asian languages have no English-style sounding /l/ or /r/. Therefore, it can be challenging and even embarrassing at times for Asian English-language learners to speak aloud. The intimidating /l/ and /r/ sounds can make one prefer reading and listening to English, rather than speaking it.
So, why not just SING it!
Singing is an excellent way to practice these sounds!
Do, Re, Mi, Fa, So, La, Ti, Do Do, Ti, La, So, Fa, Mi, Re, Do.
If you are not familiar with solfege syllables to sing a musical scale, please follow this link to learn it! It is fun and easy.
pronouncing /r/sounds
One problem could be lip-rounding. Here is a little trick. Try smiling, so that the corners of your mouth turn up and the mouth is spread and open( see image above). Drop your tongue to the bottom of your mouth when saying /r/.
TIP:
You can place your index ( point) fingers at the corners of your mouth to help hold the shape, to begin with.
Hold this position while singing , and then saying the following words.
rock run ride right rose
dark work pride guitar foreign
This may feel strange at first but it is the closest way to pronounce a western /r/ sound, rather than using a rounded mouth shape. Your mouth should only become rounded in shape when voicing the /o/ sound.
The original image found can be found here
pronouncing /l/sounds
The/l/ sound can be made by tapping the tip of the tongue directly behind the top of the mouth just behind the upper front teeth.
Try singing ‘la’ while tapping your tongue to the roof of the mouth just behind your front teeth. Tap, tap, tap…La, la, la
This is helpful for words that begin with /l/ try singing…
la la la la love la la la la light la la la la late
la la la la low la la la la luck la la la la leave
When the /l/sound comes at the end of a word tap the tip of the tongue to the roof of the mouth just a little bit further back behind the teeth. To find the right spot, place your finger directly behind your top teeth and make sure to have the tip of your tongue fall just behind your finger, while dropping the base of your tongue down and slightly forward. Try it while singing and speaking…
roll fall call pale cool tell real
Do you want to try a real challenge?
Trying singing and then saying the following lyrics.
I love rock and roll!
How was that?
Are you ready to test your English skills with /l/ and /r/ sounds?
clink the link for a karaoke challenge
Let me know how you did in the comment section below!
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